Response of a double hypar fabric structure under varying wind speed using fluid-structure interaction

Abstract

Wind effects on tensile fabric structures (TFS) are not extensively investigated. Available studies consider simplified TFS support conditions and comparisons between static and dynamic analyses are lacking. The response of a double hypar TFS under varying wind speed is carried out by using fluid-structure interaction (FSI). Realistic support conditions are considered. The double hypar geometry is determined through form-finding. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the basis to perform dynamic analysis to propose pressure coefficients useful for design. Differences between dynamic and static analyses are assessed. It is found that the stresses in the fabric and axial forces in the supports are significantly different for each type of analysis, which cannot be captured by simplified uniform uplift wind and snow loadings. Static analysis using pressure coefficients leads to differences of up to 17.3% for stresses in the fabric, 10.5% for the compressive force in the masts and 33.5% for the tensile force in the cables, compared to a FSI analysis. Results give further insight into the wind response of realistic TFSs.